Journal article

Publication year: 2005

Pages: 1057-1071

Journal: Journal of Neural Transmission

Volume number: 112

Issue number: 8

ISSN: 0300-9564

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-004-0273-1

Publisher: Springer

Abstract: 
Evidences from cell culture experiments and animal studies suggest a strong link between cholesterol and Alzheimer's disease (AD). This relationship is supported by retrospective epidemiological studies demonstrating that statin treatment reduced the prevalence of AD in patients suffering from hypercholesterolaemia. The alternative processing of the amyloid-precursor protein (APP) in the brain of AD patients leads to the production of the neurotoxic amyloid-beta protein (A beta), a causative factor for AD pathology. In vitro, this mechanism is modulated by alterations in cellular cholesterol levels. Moreover, lowering cholesterol in animal experiments reduced the production of A beta in most but not all studies. These findings led to prospective clinical trials of cholesterol-lowering statins in AD patients, even if many studies do not support elevated cholesterol levels in serum and brain as a risk factor for Alzheimer's disease. Most of these studies were negative. Thus, up to date there is insufficient evidence to suggest the use of statins for treatment in patients with AD.

Harvard Citation style: Eckert, G., Wood, W. and Müller, W. (2005) Statins: drugs for Alzheimer's disease?, Journal of Neural Transmission, 112(8), pp. 1057-1071. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-004-0273-1

APA Citation style: Eckert, G., Wood, W., & Müller, W. (2005). Statins: drugs for Alzheimer's disease?. Journal of Neural Transmission. 112(8), 1057-1071. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00702-004-0273-1